Not only does Christian Bale have to deal with the fact that he was a successful childhood actor, but he also happens to have grown into quite the heartthrob as well. Both of these stigmas can be enormous hurdles to being considered a serious and talented actor in the world of entertainment. Before you pity this "poor lad", don't. Bale has amazed and continues to amaze in the varied roles that he deliberately challenges himself with.

Bale began by working commercials and showcasing his talents on stage. Appearing with Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame, Christian was noticed and received a number of roles in a couple of TV mini series. He made his feature film debut in Mio min Mio, but it was 1987's Steven Spielberg directed Empire of the Sun that caused the biggest boost in Christian's career. Though not one of Spielberg's bigger successes, Bale received praise for his performance as Jim. Continuing to impress, Christian appeared in Henry V, a television production of Trea